IT Innovation Intern — Build Real AI & Data Projects

Growmark; Bloomington (IL); Hybrid; USD 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

GROWMARK, Inc. in Bloomington, IL is seeking an IT Innovation Intern to explore emerging technologies within an internal innovation team. You will research, analyze, and develop business solutions using agentic AI, web, and data tools to support strategic goals.

As part of Summer 2027, you will build prototypes, crunch data, and present outcomes to leadership while collaborating with stakeholders. Must pursue an IT-related degree and be eligible for a 12-week summer program.

Qualifications

• Must be pursuing an IT-related degree (including Data Science, Analytics, Statistics, Mathematics, or Engineering) at a four-year university with a status of at least a second semester junior or first semester senior in good academic standings at the time the internship begins
• Demonstrates essential abilities including business knowledge, collaboration, communication, customer focus, decision making and skill development
• Ability and willingness to participate in required training that may include education on GROWMARK’s policies and procedures and additional training as it relates to the requirements of the position

Responsibilities

• Programming and/or analytical skills across web, mobile, and data technologies
• Strong research and critical thinking skills
• Ability to work effectively with a team
• Follows GROWMARK’s Code of Conduct and Corporate Compliance Program, Environmental Health and Safety, OSHA and DOT policies and procedures, as they apply
• Performs all other duties as assigned

Job description

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GROWMARK IT Innovation Intern - GROWMARK, Inc. - Bloomington, IL

Company: GROWMARK, Inc.

City: Bloomington

State: IL

SALARY: $23.00/hr

BENEFITS:We are dedicated to supporting the long-term financial well-being of our employees and encourage our interns to start planning for retirement early by offering them the opportunity to participate in our 401(k) plan.

The FS brand represents a standard of excellence for agricultural and energy-related products. It's the people who represent the FS brand that set it apart. As local cooperatives, FS Companies believe it is their responsibility to ensure that our earth, our communities, and businesses perform together, sustainably.FS Companies are committed to ensuring the continued profitability for the company, their owners, and their customers, while enacting to help the environment and greater good.

We're looking for passionate students eager to explore emerging technologies — from agentic AI and web development to data engineering, analytics, and automation. As part of our innovation team, our intern will help business areas across the GROWMARK/FS System apply emerging technologies — agentic AI among them — to solve real challenges, researching and developing a project that advances our corporate strategic goals and drives our broader innovation initiatives.

PURPOSE AND SUMMARY STATEMENT

Works as part of an internal innovation team for the Summer of 2027, researching, analyzing, and developing business solutions using emerging technologies — agentic AI among them.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Programming and/or analytical skills across web, mobile, and data technologies

Strong research and critical thinking skills

Ability to work effectively with a team

Follows GROWMARK’s Code of Conduct and Corporate Compliance Program, Environmental Health and Safety, OSHA and DOT policies and procedures, as they apply

Performs all other duties as assigned

REQUIREMENTS

Must be pursuing an IT-related degree (including Data Science, Analytics, Statistics, Mathematics, or Engineering) at a four-year university with a status of at least a second semester junior or first semester senior in good academic standings at the time the internship begins

Demonstrates essential abilities including business knowledge, collaboration, communication, customer focus, decision making and skill development

Ability and willingness to participate in required training that may include education on GROWMARK’s policies and procedures and additional training as it relates to the requirements of the position

Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record

Must be able to travel independently and overnight when necessary

DESIRED TECHNICAL SKILLS

Object-oriented programming (Java, C#, or equivalent)

Mobile Development frameworks (React Native or equivalent)

Data Engineering and Analytics programming (Python, SQL)

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING

You'll work as a member of our innovation team, turning ideas into real solutions. That means:

Choosing a real-world project with genuine business impact

Digging into emerging technologies and figuring out how they could solve it

Building and testing prototypes, tools, or proofs of concept — hands-on, not just theoretical

Crunching data and turning findings into recommendations business areas can act on

Partnering with team members and stakeholders to scope and shape the project

Presenting your work and outcomes to leadership and business stakeholders

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TABLE

A genuine curiosity about emerging technology and how it can solve real problems

Comfort with ambiguity — you're energized by open-ended challenges, not just defined tasks

Strong analytical and problem-solving instincts

A collaborative mindset and clear communication skills

Initiative — you look for ways to contribute rather than waiting to be told what to do

WHAT WE BRING TO THE TABLE

We value relationships and people first and foremost

We are a company that is committed to being an innovation leader in the agriculture industry

We emphasize sustainability practices and stewardship of our resources

We enjoy access to in-house training and leadership development opportunities

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

• Participate in all GROWMARK Internship Program activities and meetings.
• Ability to work a minimum of 12 weeks over the Summer, starting May 24, 2027, at the latest.
• Attend three required internship events:

May 24-25, 2027: Orientation Meeting (Bloomington, IL)

June 28-30, 2027: Mid-Summer Meeting (Location TBD)

August 11-12, 2027: Conclusion Meeting (Bloomington, IL)

• Actively participate in mentoring, networking, and professional development opportunities.
• Complete and present a summer internship project.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel, including occasional overnight travel.
• Ability to complete required training and comply with company policies and procedures.

WHAT YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT US

The GROWMARK Internship Program has been in existence for 68 years. The program has given over 1,350 students the opportunity to explore career paths and develop professionally; many of which still call the FS GROWMARK System “home” today!

We are an equal opportunity/Disabled/Protected Veteran Employer. All individuals, regardless of demographic or other background, are encouraged to apply. Further, as a federal, state, and local contractor, we comply with government regulations and executive orders as applicable, including affirmative action responsibilities for qualified individuals with disability and protected veterans.

Employment is contingent on, among other things, receipt of an acceptable and job-related background check, drug test, motor vehicle report, and/or reference check, as applicable and permissible by law.

SECURING YOUR FUTURE, ONE BENEFIT AT A TIME.

Our benefits package is designed to support every aspect of our employees’ well-being—from health plans to paid time off, a fully funded pension, and more.

We provide benefits that meet their needs today while also ensuring a secure future with comprehensive retirement plans for long-term financial stability.

Offerings include, but are not limited to:

• Pension
• 401(k) & Employer Match
• HSA & Employer Contributions
• Life Insurance
• Disability
• Identity Protection

Nearest Major Market: Bloomington IL
Nearest Secondary Market: Normal
Job Segment: Database, Developer, Java, SQL, Engineer, Technology, Engineering